Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? "What shall a man give in exchange, for his life?" This question has been largely on the lips of the world of late. I. LIFE IN ITS ORIGIN AND DESTINY, IS A DEEP MYSTERY. Its only solution, as its only worth, is found in faith and religion. Life is growth under a force and principle. guided by intelligence. To be, to act, and to suffer or enjoy, is to live. II. Its UNFOLDING MAY TAKE PLACE AROUND EITHER OF TWO CENTRES — SELF OR GOD. Life offers us, in this direction, either bondage or freedom. It is determined by choice. He who decides to live to himself, becomes the slave of sin, passion, and lust. He who chooses God, attains to freedom, etc. III. WHETHER LIFE WILL SECURE WORTH WILL DEPEND UPON WHAT WE BELIEVE. 1. In natural science. 2. In mental philosophy. 3. In morals. 4. In religion. IV. BELIEF AND KNOWLEDGE WILL HAVE THEIR EFFECT UPON CHARACTER AND CONDUCT, AND WILL MANIFEST THEMSELVES. In what we become ourselves, and in what we help others to become. V. REASONS. WHY WE SHOULD MAKE THE MOST OF LIFE AND FILL IT WITH WORTH. 1. God gave it and upholds it. 2. God has redeemed it in order to give it worth. 3. God has a plan for each life, which, if followed, will lead from grace to glory, and from the utilities of time to the rewards and inheritance of eternity. Unless we do so, most. assuredly, in the light of our text, life will not be worth the living, and indeed it were far better never to have been born. (L. O. Thompson) Parallel Verses KJV: For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? |
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